News: Two new species of damselflies have been discovered in the Western Ghats by researchers from Maharashtra and Kerala. About Konkan Shadowdamsel and Crimson Shadowdamsel Both the species belong to the group commonly called ‘Shadowdamsels’ because of their affinity for well-shaded forest habitats. Habitat These species are endemic to Maharashtra and are restricted to small… Continue reading Konkan Shadowdamsel and Crimson Shadowdamsel
Category: species in news
Blue Pinkgill Mushrooms (Entoloma hochstetteri)
News: A burst of rare and colourful Blue Pinkgill Mushrooms has been documented in the Kagaznagar forest division of the Komaram Bheem Asifabad district in Telangana. About Blue Pinkgill Mushrooms (Entoloma hochstetteri) It is also known as the sky-blue mushroom, or werewere-kokako in Maori folklore. It is a blue coloured mushroom, whoose colour is derived… Continue reading Blue Pinkgill Mushrooms (Entoloma hochstetteri)
Starfish
News: Scientists have discovered that a bacterium caused the 2013 starfish die-off, which killed about 5 billion sea stars by causing sea star wasting disease, where their limbs fall off and bodies break down. About Starfish Starfish are marine animals belonging to the echinoderm group, commonly called “sea stars” due to their distinctive star-shaped body.… Continue reading Starfish
Krill
News: The krill fishing season near Antarctica ended earlier than planned after trawlers reached the catch limit for these tiny crustaceans. About Krill Krill are tiny, shrimp-like crustaceans that are semi-transparent and typically measure about 1 inch in length, weighing only a fraction of an ounce. Behavior– They live in massive swarms. Habitat: Found across… Continue reading Krill
Asian Giant Tortoise
News: The critically endangered Asian Giant Tortoise has been successfully reintroduced into the Zeliang Community Reserve located in Nagaland’s Peren district. About Asian Giant Tortoise It is the largest tortoise species in mainland Asia and is considered one of the oldest tortoise species in the world. It is now only found in a few regions… Continue reading Asian Giant Tortoise
Rhisotope Project
News: A South African university launched an anti-poaching campaign with a unique approach – injecting radioactive isotopes into rhino horns. About Rhisotope Project It is a pioneering conservation initiative begun in South Africa in 2021, aiming to combat rhino poaching by injecting safe, traceable amounts of radioactive isotopes into live rhinoceros horns. Launched by: University… Continue reading Rhisotope Project
New Wasps Species
News: Four new species of parasitoid wasps have been identified: Idris bianor, Idris furvus, Idris hyllus, and Idris longiscapus. About New Wasps These belong to the genus Idris (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae). They are found in agroecosystems and semi-natural habitats across West Bengal, India. They are extremely small and microscopic in size. They are known to lay… Continue reading New Wasps Species
Bambusa Tulda
News: Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati Researchers have developed an eco-friendly composite material made of ‘Bambusa tulda’, a fast-growing bamboo species in Northeast India. About Bambusa Tulda It is commonly known as Indian timber bamboo, sweet bamboo, Bengal Bamboo or Spineless Indian Bamboo. Habitat and distribution: It is found in mixed deciduous forest in plains,… Continue reading Bambusa Tulda
Gharial, Sloth Bear added to Centre’s critically endangered species scheme
News: The Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife (SCNBWL) has recommended the inclusion of gharial and sloth bear in the Centre’s Species Recovery Programme. Gharial, Sloth Bear added to Centre’s critically endangered species scheme About Gharials It is a species of Asian crocodilian distinguished by their long, thin snouts which resembles a pot (ghara… Continue reading Gharial, Sloth Bear added to Centre’s critically endangered species scheme
Kharai camels
News: In a dramatic rescue, 33 camels – belonging to the rare and endangered Kharai breed – were saved from the high tide in the Arabian Sea near Vadinar Jetty in Gujarat’s Devbhumi Dwarka. About Kharai camels They are a rare and unique breed of dromedary camel (with a single hump). They derive their name… Continue reading Kharai camels
